Pueblo County approves application seeking emergency recovery funds, plans grant-funded recovery manager

The Board of County Commissioners approved submitting a letter to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to request Energy/Mineral Impact assistance as emergency funding for recovery from the Aspen Acres fire. County staff told commissioners the application is a single-letter submittal and would be routed to DOLA immediately after the chair signs it.

Josh Johnson, the county staff presenter, outlined the proposed position and grant budget, saying, "This grant is a dollar grant that pays 75 percent 1st year, 50 percent 2nd year, 25% the 3rd year." He said the county included roughly $300,000 for salary and benefits over three years plus about $60,000 for consultant fees, putting the total request at about $360,000.

Johnson told the board the position would run as a recovery and resilience manager; the county could end the role after the grant period if recovery needs decline. Commissioners voiced support for filling the role quickly to help transition the disaster assistance center to a recovery assistance center and to manage long-term recovery tasks.

The motion to approve the letter and pursue the funding was moved, seconded and passed by voice vote.